Nine-man Liverpool succumbed to their second successive defeat at White Hart Lane as Tottenham flew to a 4-0 win.

Importantly for Spurs, Luka Modric was back to his best as he dictated play. He opened the scoring with a screamer from 25 yards before Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam saw red for two dangerous tackles.

In the second half, Martin Skrtel, clearly uncomfortable playing at right back, earned a second yellow and walked off to leave Liverpool in an even more helpless state. Jermain Defore then scored to make it two, before Emmanuel Adebayor secured a brace on his home debut.

Croatian Modric, who had made his wish to move to Chelsea public during the summer transfer window, had been a shade of himself during the start of the season with Chelsea clearly in his mind. Tottenham however rejected every move from Chelsea, including a £40 million offer, and it has proven a wise decision.

On seven minutes, the Croat was at hand to curl home a strike from 25 yards.

Two Liverpool red cards later, on 65 minutes, Defoe netted impressively, delaying his shot in the box before striking on the swivel.

Jose Reina's mistake two minutes later didn't help Liverpool as Adebayor gratefully poked home. And with the final kick of the game, he capped an impressive home debut with another goal.

It was a scintiallating performance from Spurs who are now unbeaten in their last three games in all competitions.